Asking for Directions

Imagine you're walking through Tallinn.

You need to find a pharmacy, but your phone battery is almost empty.

You see someone nearby and decide to ask for directions in Estonian.

They explain that you should walk straight, turn right, and look for a building next to the supermarket.

Can you understand those instructions?

In the previous lesson, you learned how to ask about buses, trams, trains, and destinations.

Now you'll learn how to navigate on foot.

Today's mission: Ask for directions, understand a simple route, and explain how to reach a nearby place in Estonian.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to:

• Ask where a place is.
• Ask how to reach a destination.
• Understand left, right, and straight ahead.
• Recognize basic walking instructions.
• Identify familiar landmarks.
• Ask whether a destination is nearby.
• Understand simple distances and walking times.
• Ask someone to repeat directions.
• Give basic directions to another person.
• Follow a short route described in Estonian.

A1 learning goal: Ask for and follow simple directions involving familiar places, provided the other person speaks clearly, slowly, and is willing to repeat information.

1. Your Most Important Direction Question

You already know:

Kus on apteek?

Meaning: Where is the pharmacy?

This is a useful question when you want to locate something.

Now let's learn a second question.

Kuidas ma saan apteeki?

Meaning: How do I get to the pharmacy?

What's the Difference?

Kus on ...? asks where something is located.

Kuidas ma saan ...? asks how to reach it.

Compare:

Kus on bussipeatus?

Where is the bus stop?

Kuidas ma saan bussipeatusesse?

How do I get to the bus stop?

A Polite Version

Vabandust, kuidas ma saan apteeki?

Meaning: Excuse me, how do I get to the pharmacy?

Your First Practice

Imagine you need to find a supermarket.

Ask:

Vabandust, kus on supermarket?

Then ask how to get there:

Kuidas ma saan supermarketisse?

You don't need to memorize all destination endings yet.

For now, learn these frequently useful questions as complete expressions.

2. Three Essential Directions

Let's begin with the three direction words you'll use most frequently.

Straight Ahead

otse

Meaning: Straight ahead.

Right

paremale

Meaning: To the right.

Left

vasakule

Meaning: To the left.

Listen and Repeat

Useful Instructions

Minge otse.

Meaning: Go straight. (polite)

Pöörake paremale.

Meaning: Turn right. (polite)

Pöörake vasakule.

Meaning: Turn left. (polite)

Important Vocabulary

Estonian	English
otse	straight ahead
paremale	to the right
vasakule	to the left
minema	to go
pöörama	to turn

Grammar Discovery

In the previous lesson, you learned:

• paremal — on the right
• vasakul — on the left

Now compare:

Position	Direction
paremal — on the right	paremale — to the right
vasakul — on the left	vasakule — to the left

Estonian distinguishes between where something is and where something is moving.

For now, remember:

• Pood on paremal. — The shop is on the right.
• Pöörake paremale. — Turn right.

These are different meanings and require different forms.

3. Your First Walking Instructions

Let's combine the expressions.

Go Straight

Minge otse.

Turn Right

Pöörake paremale.

Turn Left

Pöörake vasakule.

Go Straight and Turn Right

Minge otse ja pöörake paremale.

Meaning: Go straight and turn right.

Go Straight and Turn Left

Minge otse ja pöörake vasakule.

Meaning: Go straight and turn left.

First Complete Directions

English Translation

Go straight.

Turn right.

The pharmacy is there.

Your Turn

Imagine you're directing someone to a shop.

Say:

1. Go straight.
2. Turn left.
3. The shop is there.

Suggested Answer

Repeat the instructions aloud until they feel familiar.

4. Polite and Informal Instructions

You've already learned that Estonian distinguishes between informal and polite forms of address.

Directions work the same way.

Informal: Speaking to a Friend

Mine otse.

Go straight.

Pööra paremale.

Turn right.

Pööra vasakule.

Turn left.

Polite: Speaking to a Stranger

Minge otse.

Go straight.

Pöörake paremale.

Turn right.

Pöörake vasakule.

Turn left.

Compare

Informal	Polite
Mine otse.	Minge otse.
Pööra paremale.	Pöörake paremale.
Pööra vasakule.	Pöörake vasakule.

When Should You Use Each?

Use informal forms when speaking naturally with friends or familiar peers.

Use polite forms when addressing an unfamiliar adult or when you want to maintain a respectful tone.

A1 Focus

You don't need to learn the complete imperative verb system now.

Recognize these practical forms as expressions.

5. Finding Familiar Places

Let's learn some places you might need to find in Estonia.

Estonian	English
pood	shop
supermarket	supermarket
apteek	pharmacy
haigla	hospital
pank	bank
postkontor	post office
raamatukogu	library
restoran	restaurant
kohvik	café
bussipeatus	bus stop
rongijaam	railway station
park	park
kool	school
tualett	toilet / restroom

Listen to the Vocabulary

Asking Where Something Is

Kus on lähim apteek?

Meaning: Where is the nearest pharmacy?

Kus on lähim supermarket?

Meaning: Where is the nearest supermarket?

Kus on lähim bussipeatus?

Meaning: Where is the nearest bus stop?

New Word

lähim

Meaning: Nearest.

Your Turn

Choose three places you visit frequently.

Practice asking where each one is.

For example:

Vabandust, kus on lähim kohvik?

Meaning: Excuse me, where is the nearest café?

6. Asking Whether Something Is Nearby

Sometimes you want to know whether you can walk to a destination.

Ask:

Kas see on lähedal?

Meaning: Is it nearby?

Useful Responses

Jah, see on lähedal.

Yes, it's nearby.

Ei, see on kaugel.

No, it's far away.

New Vocabulary

lähedal

Nearby.

kaugel

Far away.

Walking Distance

Kas sinna saab jalgsi minna?

Meaning: Can you walk there?

New Word

jalgsi

Meaning: On foot / Walking.

Example Dialogue

English Translation

You: Excuse me, where is the railway station?

Person: The railway station is nearby.

You: Can you walk there?

Person: Yes, you can.

You: Thank you!

Person: You're welcome!

Important Expression

Kas sinna saab jalgsi minna?

This is a useful complete question.

You don't need to understand every verb form to begin using it.

7. Understanding Landmarks

Directions often refer to nearby buildings or recognizable places.

For example:

"The pharmacy is next to the supermarket."

Or:

"The bank is opposite the café."

Let's learn how to recognize these relationships.

Next To

kõrval

Meaning: Next to / Beside.

Opposite

vastas

Meaning: Opposite / Across from.

Between

vahel

Meaning: Between.

Behind

taga

Meaning: Behind.

In Front Of

ees

Meaning: In front of.

Examples

Apteek on poe kõrval.

Meaning: The pharmacy is next to the shop.

Pank on kohviku vastas.

Meaning: The bank is opposite the café.

Park on kooli taga.

Meaning: The park is behind the school.

Bussipeatus on poe ees.

Meaning: The bus stop is in front of the shop.

Grammar Discovery

Notice:

• pood → poe
• kohvik → kohviku
• kool → kooli

When expressing a relationship such as "next to the shop," Estonian often uses the genitive form before the location word.

Examples:

• poe kõrval
• kohviku vastas
• kooli taga

These are important patterns, but you don't need to memorize all genitive forms now.

Learn the useful combinations as complete phrases.

8. Crossings and Streets

Now let's learn vocabulary for navigating streets.

Estonian	English
tänav	street
tee	road / way
ristmik	intersection
ülekäigurada	pedestrian crossing
foor	traffic light
sild	bridge
väljak	square
nurk	corner
kõnnitee	sidewalk

Listen and Repeat

Useful Instruction: Go to the Intersection

Minge ristmikuni.

Meaning: Go as far as the intersection.

At the Intersection, Turn Left

Pöörake ristmikul vasakule.

Meaning: Turn left at the intersection.

Cross the Street

Minge üle tänava.

Meaning: Cross the street.

At the Traffic Light

Pöörake foori juures paremale.

Meaning: Turn right at the traffic light.

New Expressions

ristmikul

At the intersection.

foori juures

At / near the traffic light.

üle tänava

Across the street.

Safety Reminder

Language practice does not replace paying attention to traffic signs and signals.

Always cross at a safe and permitted location and follow actual road conditions rather than relying on remembered directions.

9. First, Then, and Finally

Directions are easier to follow when the steps are clearly ordered.

Let's learn three useful words.

First

kõigepealt

Meaning: First.

Then

siis

Meaning: Then.

Finally

lõpuks

Meaning: Finally.

Example

English Translation

First, go straight.

Then turn left.

Finally, you'll see the pharmacy.

New Verb

näete

Meaning: You see / You will see, polite or plural.

A1 Focus

You don't need to use all three linking words every time.

Even one word like siis helps make directions easier to understand.

10. Walking Time and Distance

Sometimes someone explains a route using walking time.

For example:

"It's five minutes away."

Let's learn how to recognize this.

Five Minutes

viis minutit

Meaning: Five minutes.

Ten Minutes

kümme minutit

Meaning: Ten minutes.

It's Five Minutes Away on Foot

See on viis minutit jalgsi.

Meaning: It's five minutes on foot.

Another Common Expression

Umbes kümme minutit.

Meaning: About ten minutes.

New Word

umbes

Meaning: Approximately / About.

Dialogue

English Translation

You: Is the pharmacy far away?

Person: No, it's nearby.

You: How long does it take on foot?

Person: About five minutes.

You: Thank you!

New Question

Kui kaua jalgsi läheb?

Meaning: How long does it take to walk?

This is useful when deciding whether to walk or use public transport.

11. Your First Complete Directions Conversation

Imagine you're in central Tallinn.

You want to find a pharmacy.

You ask someone for help.

Listen to the conversation.

English Translation

You: Excuse me!

Person: Yes?

You: Can you help me?

Person: Yes, of course.

You: Where is the nearest pharmacy?

Person: Go straight and turn right.

Person: The pharmacy is next to the shop.

You: Is it far away?

Person: No, about five minutes on foot.

You: Thank you!

Person: You're welcome! Have a nice day!

You: Goodbye!

What Did You Accomplish?

You used:

• A polite greeting.
• A request for help.
• A location question.
• Basic walking instructions.
• A landmark.
• A question about distance.
• A polite closing.

This is a realistic early A1 communication task.

Your Turn

Listen to the dialogue again.

Then speak only the traveler's lines.

Finally, practice asking for a supermarket instead of a pharmacy.

12. When Directions Are Too Complicated

Real directions can sometimes be longer than you expect.

If you lose track, don't panic.

You already know how to ask for clarification.

Please Repeat

Palun korrake.

Please Speak More Slowly

Palun rääkige aeglasemalt.

I Don't Understand

Ma ei saa aru.

Can You Show Me?

Kas te saate mulle näidata?

Meaning: Can you show me? (polite)

On the Map

kaardil

Meaning: On the map.

Can You Show Me on the Map?

Kas te saate mulle kaardil näidata?

Meaning: Can you show me on the map?

Example Conversation

English Translation

You: Excuse me, where is the bus stop?

Person: Go straight and turn left at the intersection.

You: Sorry, I don't understand.

You: Can you show me on the map?

Person: Yes, of course.

You: Thank you!

Practical Strategy

If a spoken explanation is too difficult:

1. Ask for repetition.
2. Ask the person to speak slowly.
3. Ask them to show the route on a map.
4. Confirm the destination before leaving.

This is a normal and effective way to communicate as a beginner.

13. Reading Practice: Simple Written Directions

Read the following directions.

English Questions

1. Should you go straight first?
2. Do you turn left or right at the intersection?
3. Do you need to cross the street?
4. Is the pharmacy on the left or right?

Answers

1. Yes.
2. Right.
3. Yes.
4. Left.

Reading Strategy

Focus on recognizing the action words.

• minge — go
• pöörake — turn
• paremale — to the right
• vasakule — to the left
• üle tänava — across the street

You can often understand the main route even if you don't recognize every noun.

14. Listening Practice: Follow the Directions

Listen to each instruction.

Try to identify the action before reading the answer options.

If possible, hide the written Estonian while listening.

Listening 1

Minge otse.

A. Turn left.

B. Go straight.

C. Turn right.

Listening 2

Pöörake paremale.

A. Turn right.

B. Turn left.

C. Stop.

Listening 3

Pöörake vasakule.

A. Go straight.

B. Turn right.

C. Turn left.

Listening 4

Apteek on poe kõrval.

A. The pharmacy is behind the shop.

B. The pharmacy is next to the shop.

C. The pharmacy is far away.

Listening 5

Pank on kohviku vastas.

A. The bank is opposite the café.

B. The bank is inside the café.

C. The bank is next to the café.

Listening 6

Umbes viis minutit jalgsi.

A. About five minutes on foot.

B. About fifteen minutes by bus.

C. About five kilometers.

Answers

1. B
2. A
3. C
4. B
5. A
6. A

Extra Challenge

Listen again.

This time, physically point in the correct direction when you hear:

• paremale
• vasakule
• otse

Connecting the words with movement can make them easier to remember.

15. A Practical Route Exercise

Imagine the following fictional street layout.

You are standing outside a café.

The supermarket is straight ahead.

The pharmacy is to the right of the supermarket.

The bus stop is across the street from the supermarket.

Task A

How would you tell someone to walk straight?

Suggested Answer:

Minge otse.

Task B

How would you tell someone that the pharmacy is next to the supermarket?

Suggested Answer:

Apteek on supermarketi kõrval.

Task C

How would you say that the bus stop is across the street?

Suggested Answer:

Bussipeatus on üle tänava.

Task D

How would you ask if the supermarket is nearby?

Suggested Answer:

Kas supermarket on lähedal?

Your Challenge

Describe a short route in three sentences.

Try using:

1. Minge otse.
2. Pöörake paremale.
3. ... on vasakul.

You can replace the final location with a familiar place.

16. Writing Practice: Complete the Instructions

Fill in the missing words.

Word bank:

otse, paremale, vasakule, lähedal, kõrval, jalgsi

Exercise

1. Minge _____.
2. Pöörake _____.
3. Pöörake _____.
4. Apteek on siin _____.
5. Pank on poe _____.
6. Umbes viis minutit _____.

Answers

1. otse
2. paremale
3. vasakule
4. lähedal
5. kõrval
6. jalgsi

Exercise B — Translate into Estonian

Write these sentences:

1. Where is the pharmacy?
2. Go straight.
3. Turn right.
4. Turn left.
5. Is it nearby?
6. Can you show me on the map?

Suggested Answers

Kus on apteek?

Minge otse.

Pöörake paremale.

Pöörake vasakule.

Kas see on lähedal?

Kas te saate mulle kaardil näidata?

Exercise C — Write Your Own Directions

Choose a destination:

• Supermarket
• Pharmacy
• Bus stop
• Café
• Railway station

Write a short set of directions using at least three instructions.

Example:

Try writing without copying.

17. Speaking Practice: Five Everyday Situations

Situation A — Finding a Pharmacy

You're in an unfamiliar area.

Ask where the nearest pharmacy is.

Suggested response:

Vabandust, kus on lähim apteek?

Situation B — Asking About Walking Distance

You want to know whether you can walk to a railway station.

Suggested response:

Kas sinna saab jalgsi minna?

Situation C — Giving Directions

Someone asks where the supermarket is.

You want to say:

"Go straight and turn right."

Suggested response:

Minge otse ja pöörake paremale.

Situation D — Asking for Repetition

Someone speaks too quickly.

Suggested response:

Palun rääkige aeglasemalt.

Situation E — Asking for a Map

You don't understand the directions.

Suggested response:

Kas te saate mulle kaardil näidata?

Final Speaking Challenge

Imagine you're visiting Tallinn for the first time.

You want to find a café.

Create a short conversation containing:

1. A polite greeting.
2. A question about the nearest café.
3. A request for directions.
4. A question about whether it's nearby.
5. A clarification request.
6. A polite goodbye.

Try speaking without reading the example dialogues.

18. Knowledge Check

Choose the correct answer.

Question 1

What does Minge otse mean?

A. Go straight.

B. Turn right.

C. Stop.

Question 2

Which expression means "Turn left"?

A. Pöörake paremale.

B. Pöörake vasakule.

C. Minge otse.

Question 3

What does Kus on lähim apteek? mean?

A. Where is the nearest pharmacy?

B. Is the pharmacy open?

C. How much does it cost?

Question 4

What does paremal mean?

A. To the right.

B. On the right.

C. To the left.

Question 5

Which expression means "Can you walk there?"

A. Kas sinna saab jalgsi minna?

B. Kui palju see maksab?

C. Kus on bussipeatus?

Question 6

What does kõrval mean?

A. Behind.

B. Opposite.

C. Next to.

Question 7

Which expression means "About five minutes on foot"?

A. Viis eurot.

B. Umbes viis minutit jalgsi.

C. Viis kilomeetrit.

Question 8

How do you ask someone to show a location on a map?

A. Kas te saate mulle kaardil näidata?

B. Kus on minu kaart?

C. Kas ma saan kaardiga maksta?

Question 9

What does ristmik mean?

A. Bridge.

B. Intersection.

C. Square.

Question 10

Which expression means "The pharmacy is next to the shop"?

A. Apteek on poe taga.

B. Apteek on poe ees.

C. Apteek on poe kõrval.

Answers

1. A
2. B
3. A
4. B
5. A
6. C
7. B
8. A
9. B
10. C

19. Real-World Mission

Your challenge is to practice using simple directions in Estonia.

Mission A — Easy

Choose three places near you.

Practice saying:

• Where each place is.
• Whether it's nearby.
• Whether it's on the left or right.

For example:

Apteek on lähedal.

Pood on paremal.

Mission B — Intermediate

Ask for directions to a nearby location.

For example:

Vabandust, kus on lähim bussipeatus?

Listen for:

• otse
• paremale
• vasakule
• lähedal

Mission C — Challenge

Ask someone how to reach a destination.

Kuidas ma saan rongijaama?

If necessary, ask for repetition.

Palun korrake.

Mission D — Give Directions

Practice telling a friend how to get from one familiar place to another.

Use at least three Estonian direction expressions.

You can practice with a simple hand-drawn map.

Reflection

After practicing, ask yourself:

1. Could I ask for the destination?
2. Did I understand left and right?
3. Could I follow a sequence of instructions?
4. Did I recognize any landmarks?
5. Could I ask someone to repeat the directions?

20. Lesson Summary

You've learned the most useful expressions for asking for and following basic directions.

Essential Expressions

Estonian	English
Kus on apteek?	Where is the pharmacy?
Kus on lähim bussipeatus?	Where is the nearest bus stop?
Kuidas ma saan apteeki?	How do I get to the pharmacy?
Minge otse.	Go straight.
Pöörake paremale.	Turn right.
Pöörake vasakule.	Turn left.
Kas see on lähedal?	Is it nearby?
Kas sinna saab jalgsi minna?	Can you walk there?
Apteek on poe kõrval.	The pharmacy is next to the shop.
Pank on kohviku vastas.	The bank is opposite the café.
Minge ristmikuni.	Go to the intersection.
Pöörake ristmikul vasakule.	Turn left at the intersection.
Minge üle tänava.	Cross the street.
Umbes viis minutit jalgsi.	About five minutes on foot.
Kas te saate mulle kaardil näidata?	Can you show me on the map?

Important Vocabulary

• otse — straight ahead
• paremale — to the right
• vasakule — to the left
• paremal — on the right
• vasakul — on the left
• kõrval — next to
• vastas — opposite
• taga — behind
• ees — in front of
• ristmik — intersection
• tänav — street
• ülekäigurada — pedestrian crossing
• lähedal — nearby
• kaugel — far away
• jalgsi — on foot
• umbes — approximately

Grammar You've Started Learning

This lesson introduced or reinforced:

• Questions with kus and kuidas.
• Position versus direction forms.
• Polite and informal imperative forms.
• Genitive forms in landmark expressions.
• Destination-related noun forms.
• Useful location expressions.
• Short direction sequences.

You don't need to master all these rules immediately.

Focus on understanding and using the common expressions accurately.

21. A1 Progress Check

This lesson develops practical A1 navigation skills.

Listening

Understand simple walking instructions and familiar location words when spoken slowly and clearly.

Speaking

Ask for directions and describe short routes using familiar expressions.

Interaction

Ask for clarification and exchange basic direction information.

Reading

Understand short written directions and location descriptions.

Writing

Write simple walking instructions using common direction vocabulary.

Grammar

Recognize direction forms, location forms, and polite instructions.

Before Moving On

Check whether you can:

• Ask where a place is.
• Ask how to reach a destination.
• Recognize straight, left, and right.
• Understand simple walking instructions.
• Distinguish paremal and paremale.
• Distinguish vasakul and vasakule.
• Recognize familiar landmarks.
• Ask whether something is nearby.
• Understand simple walking-time expressions.
• Ask someone to repeat directions.
• Ask someone to show a location on a map.
• Give a short sequence of directions.

If you can perform most of these tasks, you're ready to continue.